Lance Armstrong has welcomed the news that federal prosecutors in California have dropped their doping investigation of the seven-time Tour de France winner.

Armstrong has never failed a drugs test and has repeatedly denied using illegal substances during his illustrious career, but was the subject of an investigation into whether he and his former team-mates participated in a doping programme.

But after a two-year investigation, the US Attorney's Office in Los Angeles confirmed they had abandoned the case.

"United States Attorney Andre Birotte Jr today announced that his office is closing an investigation into allegations of federal criminal conduct by members and associates of a professional bicycle racing team owned in part by Lance Armstrong," said a statement.

"The United States Attorney determined that a public announcement concerning the closing of the investigation was warranted by numerous reports about the investigation in media outlets around the world."

Armstrong, who has faced accusations from disgraced cyclist Floyd Landis and former team-mate Tyler Hamilton, welcomed the news.

"I am gratified to learn that the US Attorney's Office is closing its investigation," Armstrong said in a statement. "It is the right decision and I commend them for reaching it."

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